Last Reviewed 28th January 2026
Authored by Dr Agata Kijowska, Founder & Principal Dentist, Calm Dental
Table of Contents
Handling Dental Emergencies
What to Do When Accidents Happen
Welcome to Calm Dental! We’re a friendly dental clinic in London that prides itself on gentle care and keeping patients comfortable – even during life’s little surprises. Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, but don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll walk you through handling common dental emergencies in a calm, step-by-step way. Our goal is to help you relieve pain, protect your smile, and know when it’s time to see an emergency dentist for urgent dental care.
Knocked-Out Tooth (Adult)
Having a tooth get knocked out can be scary, but quick action might save the tooth! If an adult tooth is completely knocked out (avulsed), stay calm and follow these steps immediately:
Handle the tooth carefully: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part that you normally see) – do not touch the root of the tooth. The root is delicate, and touching it could damage cells that are needed to reattach the tooth.
Gently rinse the tooth: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly with clean water to remove debris. Do not scrub or use soap on the tooth. Plain water is fine (or milk/saline if available). Be sure not to dry the tooth – it needs to stay moist.
Try to reinsert it: If you feel confident, gently push the tooth back into its socket in your gum. Make sure it’s facing the right way around (the crown outward). Once in place, bite down gently on clean gauze or a cloth to help hold it in position.
Keep it moist if not reinserted: If you can’t put it back in the socket, don’t let the tooth dry out. Store it in milk or in your mouth next to your cheek to keep it moist. Avoid storing it in plain water, as this can harm the root surface over time.
Get to the dentist ASAP: A knocked-out tooth is an immediate emergency – you ideally need to see a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth. Call an emergency dentist (Calm Dental: 020 7870 2702) right away and explain the situation. If treated promptly, the tooth can sometimes be successfully reimplanted.
Important: These steps apply only to adult teeth. Do not try to reinsert a baby tooth – placing a baby (milk) tooth back in the socket could damage the developing adult tooth underneath. Instead, if a child knocks out a baby tooth, focus on stopping any bleeding and have a dentist check the area.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Chipping or breaking a tooth is common and usually not life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and should be fixed by a dentist. If you crack a tooth or a piece breaks off:
- Save any broken pieces: If part of your tooth has broken off, try to locate the fragment. Rinse it gently and keep it in milk or saliva (you can spit into a container) until you see the dentist. In some cases, the dentist might be able to bond the piece back on.
Rinse your mouth: Warm water can help clean your mouth and the injured area. Rinse to remove any tiny fragments and reduce the risk of infection.
Stop any bleeding: If the broken tooth caused bleeding (for example, if it’s a large break or gum injury), bite down on gauze or a clean cloth until the bleeding stops. Usually, a few minutes of pressure will control it.
Reduce pain and swelling: A cold compress on your cheek over the area can help minimise swelling and pain. An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can also ease discomfort (follow the instructions on the label).
Be careful chewing: If the tooth is jagged or sensitive, avoid biting down on it. You can cover any sharp edges with a bit of sugar-free gum or dental wax (often available in braces care kits) to protect your tongue and cheek.
See the dentist within 24 hours: Even if the chipped/broken tooth doesn’t hurt, you should have it examined. A dentist will repair the tooth with bonding, a filling, or a crown, depending on the extent of the damage. Prompt treatment will prevent further cracking or decay in the exposed area. In most cases, a chipped tooth is urgent but not an immediate emergency, so you can call your dentist and get the next available appointment (ideally within a day or two).
Severe Toothache
A severe toothache can really ruin your day (or your sleep!). Tooth pain can be caused by a wide range of issues, from a deep cavity to an infection. Here’s how to get toothache relief and take care of the problem:
Rinse and floss: Start by gently cleaning your mouth. Rinse with warm water to clear out any food particles. Then floss around the aching tooth to ensure nothing is stuck between your teeth or along the gum line that could be causing the pain. Sometimes a seed or piece of food caught between teeth can put pressure on a tooth and mimic a toothache, so this step is important.
Cold compress for swelling: If you notice your face or gum is swelling near the painful tooth, apply a cold pack or an ice wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your cheek. The cold can reduce swelling and numb some of the pain. (Tip: 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off helps avoid skin irritation.)
Over-the-counter pain relief: Taking a painkiller can help manage the pain. Paracetamol or ibuprofen are commonly recommended for dental pain – use as directed on the package. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum, as that home remedy can burn your gum tissue. Swallow the pain medication instead.
Saltwater rinse: A warm saltwater rinse (½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) can act as a natural disinfectant and soothe inflamed gums. Swish it around the painful area and spit it out; this can help if the toothache is due to gum irritation or minor infection.
When to see a dentist: If the toothache is severe, lasts more than a day, or is accompanied by fever, earache, or pain when you open your mouth wide, contact a dentist promptly at calmdental.co.uk. Toothaches often signal a cavity or infection that needs treatment (such as a filling or a root canal). Don’t ignore severe pain or swelling, as infections can spread and become serious. An urgent dental appointment for a bad toothache can provide lasting relief by treating the cause of the pain.
Remember: Home remedies can provide temporary relief from a toothache, but they don’t cure the underlying problem. Seeing your dentist for a proper evaluation is the best way to stop the pain for good.
Lost Filling or Crown
If you lose a filling or a crown pops off, it can leave the affected tooth sensitive or a bit jagged. While this situation may not be as time-critical as a knocked-out tooth, you’ll still need to fix it soon. Here’s how to handle a lost filling or crown:
For a lost filling: When a filling falls out, you might feel an exposed hole or rough area on your tooth. First, rinse your mouth gently to keep the area clean. To protect the exposed tooth until you see the dentist, you can fill the hole with a small piece of sugar-free gum (sugar-free is important, so it doesn’t cause pain or decay) or use an over-the-counter temporary dental cement from a pharmacy. This is a short-term fix to cover the cavity and reduce sensitivity. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth so you don’t damage the tooth further.
For a lost crown: If a crown (cap) comes off, try to find the crown. Rinse the crown clean – and do not use super glue to try to stick it back on (that can damage your tooth)! If you can, dry the tooth and inside of the crown and dab a bit of toothpaste or temporary dental cement inside the crown, then place it back over your tooth The toothpaste or dental cement can act as a mild adhesive to hold it in place temporarily. This is just a makeshift solution; the crown will still need to be properly re-cemented by a dentist. If you can’t get it to stay, keep the crown in a small container and bring it to the dentist. Also, avoid chewing on that side to prevent any sensitivity or further breakage.
See your dentist in a few days: A lost filling or crown is usually categorized as a moderate urgency issue – you don’t need to sprint to the clinic, but don’t put it off for weeks either. Call your dental office and explain what happened; they will likely get you in within a day or two to replace the filling or reattach/replace the crown. In the meantime, maintaining good oral hygiene (gentle brushing around the area) will help prevent pain or infection.
Gum or Facial Swelling (Abscess)
Swelling in your gums, cheek, or face can be a sign of a dental abscess, which is an infection, or another gum infection issue. This can be quite painful and sometimes serious. If you notice a painful swelling in your gum or face:
Rinse with warm saltwater: Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gently swish it in your mouth, then spit it out. Doing this a few times can help draw out some infection and soothe the area.
Cold compress: Place a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth on the outside of your face where it’s swollen. This can reduce swelling and numb some pain. (Avoid putting ice directly on your skin – wrap it in a cloth.)
Take a pain reliever if needed: Over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help control pain and bring down inflammation. Do not apply heat or hot compresses on the swelling. Heat might feel comforting at first, but it can actually make an infection spread faster by drawing the infection deeper or increasing blood flow to the area.
See a dentist as soon as possible: A gum or facial swelling due to an abscess is urgent – you need dental treatment within 24 hours. The infection likely won’t go away on its own. Your dentist will drain the abscess and treat the infection (often with antibiotics and treating the tooth). Left untreated, dental infections can spread to other parts of the face and even become life-threatening in rare cases.
Watch for severe symptoms: If the swelling is making it hard for you to breathe or swallow, or if you develop a high fever and feel very unwell, that’s an emergency. Go to A&E (the emergency department) immediately in that casecalmdental.co.uk. Difficulty breathing or swallowing could mean the infection is spreading into your jaw or throat area, and you need immediate medical attention.
Bleeding That Won’t Stop
Any oral injury that results in bleeding which doesn’t stop with simple first aid needs prompt care. This could happen after a tooth extraction, if you bite your tongue or lip deeply, or after a trauma to the mouth. Here’s what to do if you have heavy bleeding in your mouth:
Apply pressure: Use a clean folded gauze pad or a clean cloth and place it over the bleeding site. If it’s a socket where a tooth was, put the gauze directly over it; if it’s a cut on your lip or tongue, press the cloth against it. Bite down or hold pressure firmly for a full 10-15 minutes. Time it – it’s important to maintain steady pressure and not peek too soon. This pressure helps a blood clot form to stop the bleeding.
Use a damp tea bag (if available): This sounds like an old wives’ tale, but it actually helps! If bleeding is coming from a tooth socket (for example, after an extraction) and it’s not slowing down, placing a damp tea bag on the site and biting gently can help blood clot. Tea contains tannic acid, which can assist clotting. Use a black tea bag (caffeinated is fine) and moisten it with water, wrap it in gauze if you like, then bite down on it for 20 minutes.
Keep your head elevated: Sit upright or keep your head above heart level. This reduces blood pressure in the affected area and can slow bleeding. Also, do not spit or rinse your mouth vigorously for a few hours if the bleeding is from a recent extraction. Spitting can dislodge the clot that’s trying to form.
Cold compress: As with other injuries, holding a cold pack on the outside of your mouth near the area of bleeding can constrict blood vessels and help slow the bleeding. It also minimizes swelling.
If bleeding continues, get emergency care: In most cases, bleeding should significantly slow or stop after 10-20 minutes of firm pressure. If it does not stop or is very heavy, you need to seek professional help immediately. Call your dentist or go to the nearest A&E (hospital emergency department) for assistance. Uncontrolled bleeding is an emergency. Continue to apply pressure on your way to get care.
Bottom line: Bleeding that won’t stop with basic first aid is serious. Don’t hesitate to seek urgent medical or dental care if you’re in this situation.
Stay Calm and Contact Us – We’re Here to Help!
Dental emergencies are always a bit nerve-wracking, but with the right steps, you can take control of the situation and protect your health. The key points to remember are: stay calm, follow the quick steps above for temporary relief or first aid, and see a dentist promptly for follow-up. Many issues, from a throbbing toothache to a knocked-out tooth, have better outcomes when treated promptly by a professional.
At Calm Dental, we understand that accidents happen – and we make it a priority to see emergency cases as soon as possible. We reserve slots each day for urgent patients and will do our best to relieve your pain and fix the problem quickly and gently. Our compassionate team will help you feel at ease, even during a dental crisis.
Save our info: It’s a good idea to save Calm Dental’s contact information in your phone so you don’t have to search when an emergency strikes. You can reach us at 020 7870 2702 for immediate help. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency or need urgent dental care, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We encourage you to contact us and book an emergency appointment at the first sign of trouble – early treatment can save your tooth and stop the pain.
Your smile is important to us. By knowing what to do when accidents happen and having our friendly team on call, you can handle dental emergencies with confidence. Remember, whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a bad toothache, or any urgent dental issue, you’re not alone – Calm Dental is here to help you keep calm and get the care you need, right when you need it! 😃🦷
Stay safe and take care of your teeth!